It's an area of the Wanee camp ground that a lot of people from around HTN congregate at. It's communal dinners, a place to hang around the fire and jam. Band members will stroll through as well, I know Butch, Junior Mack, Lamar, etc, will roll through and meet a chat with the diehard fans and good peoples. I usually camp out in the field, but I stroll through and say hi when heading to or from the stages. From what I've seen on facebook, it's been set up for a few days now and the party has already started.

Where is it in relation to the stages?

It's near the Peach Stage, tucked near the brush around the campers area. Here's a video from none other than Big Dave on Bass:

Are you going to Wanee!?

[Edited on 4/12/2016 by porkchopbob]

Helen (who uses the handle "banesh" here)'s Hilton is an encampment within the Wanee campground that was coordinated by Helen beginning with Wanee One, I think - maybe someone else can confirm that. It has become a sort-of the official/unofficial meeting place for all HTWers at Wanee - those who camp there eat together, hang out between sets, etc. I know Oteil (and maybe other band members) has stopped by....it really can be like an oasis in a sea of chaos sometimes, as Wanee can be somewhat overwhelming with all the different musical choices from noon until 3 or 4 AM sometimes.

My first trip to Wanee ('06) bluedad and bigdaveonbass had an impromptu jam session at their campsite and both Devon Allman and Pedro Arevalo, along with many other musicians, stopped by and jammed around the campfire. bluedad and dave also participated, along with other HTWers as well as other random strangers who heard what was going on and just decided to pick up a guitar or whatever and jam. They even had it wired so it wasn't limited to acoustics - I sat about 3 feet in front of Devon and watched him wail on his Les Paul.

One of the coolest musical happenings I have ever witnessed and I feel privileged to have been able to do so.

, Lamar, etc, will roll through

Uh, Bob? Lamar died in 1982 or '83...

Good to see you posting Rich...

Everything you said is correct !

, Lamar, etc, will roll through

Uh, Bob? Lamar died in 1982 or '83...

His son, Lamar Jr, has been singing in Butch's band, Les Brers, and swung by last year.

Helen's Hilton is an area of the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground that encompasses both primitive and reserved camp sites. It is situated "near" the horse stables area.

Helen is a wonderful woman that is also a member here, along with Nancy, whom I believe have attended every Wanee since inception.

They (along with multitudes of other wonderful people) run this little slice of Wanee dubbed Helen's Hilton.

It is a camping area where resources are pooled to provide an awesome setting.

Each year leading up to Wanee, Helen sends out an email requesting who is going, when they intend to show up, how many in their party etc. She has created a map of the area showing where each known participant is camping and actually tells you where you will camp, ha.

They also design meals to be prepared in the fully stocked camp kitchen and delve out "responsibilities" for each person as far as "what to bring." For years, my ticket into all the prepared meals (usually breakfast and dinners) was simply to bring 10lbs of onions and a few bags of lemons. They fully coordinate who brings what.

They drive a caravan of RV's and trailers to the site and (this is one of the many cool things about Helen and Nancy) will provide YOU with a tent and any other camping equipment YOU need. Many folks whom fly in for the festival get provided all their camping gear.

Our friend John, who recently passed away with cancer, drove a truck and trailer FROM OHIO and supplied a ton of firewood for the Hilton.

Many, many great folks contribute to the success of Helen's Hilton.

Another of the many cool things that happen at The Hilton are the late night campfire jams, after the festival shuts down for the night. Although the names escape me at the moment, one night there were two or three guys THAT HAD JUST BEEN ONSTAGE AS GUESTS with the ABB, sitting at the campfire playing music.

Met Jaimoe one year at The Hilton, Butch also drove up in a golf cart one year.

Anyhow, let me say again, Helen and Nancy are wonderful people, some of the absolute nicest people you will ever meet.

I attended Wanee from the 1st festival, for 10 straight years and sadly decided to give it up. Each year since, around this time, I get the itch and wish I was driving my packed truck to Live Oak.

And there are real campfire jams with a bunch of acoustics and people singing almost every night 😛

A few years ago, Junior Mack and Reggie from JJB came by and sat it for a long time !

, Lamar, etc, will roll through

Uh, Bob? Lamar died in 1982 or '83...

His son, Lamar Jr, has been singing in Butch's band, Les Brers, and swung by last year.

Sorry - I misunderstood. Great to know that Lamar Jr. is part of the ABB family.

Helen's Hilton is an area of the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground that encompasses both primitive and reserved camp sites. It is situated "near" the horse stables area.

Helen is a wonderful woman that is also a member here, along with Nancy, whom I believe have attended every Wanee since inception.

They (along with multitudes of other wonderful people) run this little slice of Wanee dubbed Helen's Hilton.

It is a camping area where resources are pooled to provide an awesome setting.

Each year leading up to Wanee, Helen sends out an email requesting who is going, when they intend to show up, how many in their party etc. She has created a map of the area showing where each known participant is camping and actually tells you where you will camp, ha.

They also design meals to be prepared in the fully stocked camp kitchen and delve out "responsibilities" for each person as far as "what to bring." For years, my ticket into all the prepared meals (usually breakfast and dinners) was simply to bring 10lbs of onions and a few bags of lemons. They fully coordinate who brings what.

They drive a caravan of RV's and trailers to the site and (this is one of the many cool things about Helen and Nancy) will provide YOU with a tent and any other camping equipment YOU need. Many folks whom fly in for the festival get provided all their camping gear.

Our friend John, who recently passed away with cancer, drove a truck and trailer FROM OHIO and supplied a ton of firewood for the Hilton.

Many, many great folks contribute to the success of Helen's Hilton.

Another of the many cool things that happen at The Hilton are the late night campfire jams, after the festival shuts down for the night. Although the names escape me at the moment, one night there were two or three guys THAT HAD JUST BEEN ONSTAGE AS GUESTS with the ABB, sitting at the campfire playing music.

Met Jaimoe one year at The Hilton, Butch also drove up in a golf cart one year.

Anyhow, let me say again, Helen and Nancy are wonderful people, some of the absolute nicest people you will ever meet.

I attended Wanee from the 1st festival, for 10 straight years and sadly decided to give it up. Each year since, around this time, I get the itch and wish I was driving my packed truck to Live Oak.

FANTASTIC post. Might be the best I've ever read on this site.

WELL DONE, heineken515....this is SO well written it reads like a Press Release!

Good to see you posting Rich...

Thank you for your kind words, John. Coming from you it really means a lot.

I hope you and your family are well, my friend.

WELL DONE, heineken515....

Ha, thanks.

This time of year, reading about people packing and getting ready for their trip, and then this question made me really, really miss Wanee and realizing how much fun has been had over the years, friendships made.

Ahhh, the good ole days.

Now, gotta go yell at some kids near my lawn ... 😉

WELL DONE, heineken515....

Ha, thanks.

This time of year, reading about people packing and getting ready for their trip, and then this question made me really, really miss Wanee and realizing how much fun has been had over the years, friendships made.

Ahhh, the good ole days.

Now, gotta go yell at some kids near my lawn ... 😉

LMFAO

Thank you for all the replies. I appreciate the information.

Hey PCB I'm unfortunately not making the trip. Hope to go next year.

brofan, heineken515 - it's not too late, pack up a bag and head to Wanee! I missed last year for the first time since #1 but I am back in action this year for a 3 night stay.

I was able to jam at the camp fire with Junior & Reggie from JJB (well, strum & sing and in some bizarro world they accompanied ME) just an hour after they had been on stage with the ABB a few years back. I wasn't sure what reality I had just landed in, but it was pretty dang cool. We then turned it over to Junior to do Rainy Night in Georgia singing at a full volume and playing someone's electric with a tiny amp. I retired to the tent a happy camper that night!

brofan, heineken515 - it's not too late, pack up a bag and head to Wanee! I missed last year for the first time since #1 but I am back in action this year for a 3 night stay.

I was able to jam at the camp fire with Junior & Reggie from JJB (well, strum & sing and in some bizarro world they accompanied ME) just an hour after they had been on stage with the ABB a few years back. I wasn't sure what reality I had just landed in, but it was pretty dang cool. We then turned it over to Junior to do Rainy Night in Georgia singing at a full volume and playing someone's electric with a tiny amp. I retired to the tent a happy camper that night!

Great story, Tim! Long time no talk!

Unfortunately (well, not really) I can't make it this year - I have a date with Kacey Musgraves in Charlotte Friday night (next time out she'll be playing arenas - she really should be now) and with NMAS Saturday night. I'll be there in spirit, though.

Tear it up!

Hi I've been to Wanne every year since it's started and never had a chance to say hello. This year I'll find y'all and say hi.

Getting ready to head down to Wanee and Helens Hilton from Cleveland in about an hour and saw this stream. I pick up my buddy in Knoxville and then spend the night in Valdosta, Ga before the short trip to Wanee on Thurs morning. We have been instructed to each bring two dozen eggs for our food contribution. A fellow (now friend) I met up in NYC at an ABB Beacon run a number of years ago introduced me to Helen. The Hilton is a very large area nestled in a pine tree forest - the nicest camping - RV setup for any festival that I have attended. In addition to the superb camping, the Mushroom stage is imho the best outdoor venue for music. If I had been making my decision on attending based on the music I would have skipped it but it's about so much more. What a great group of folks.

what is helens Hilton, what a great essay ?, and to so many people its taken many different ways, I have been fortunate to enjoy the Hilton, now year 11 missed the first one..in s many ways...
One , the biggest attraction is the PEOPLE....The people who become part of your extended FABBILY.... ITs a place to hang, rest, drink, talk, eat , play music..conversations, food , drink, rest sing hang etc etc....Its a community of love and respect and genuine caring for others. especially those in times of need,,,,,, There are silent auctions and funds raised for "family: members in need.. a support system that even when the party is over in Live oak, they are there for you thru out the year. People who you connect with maybe in your home town or another concert some where, or if people are cruising from Ft Ldle port. and need a good meal or a run to the liquor store.. just saying....

It takes a few days of great music . all day and night, and wraps it up with a kool family re union , which expands every year...............The PEOPLE that have enriched my life for over a decade..........
and the great part is we picking up the rental SUV and head North tomorrow.. am......Cant wait to see all the familiar faces and new ones....And that is what Helens hilton is to me.... the end...........